Art and Science of Domain Names
Art and Science of Domain Names : In the domain-name system ( DNS ), users refer to web sites and other resources using domain names and not all-numeric IP addresses. In the art and science of domain names, a domain name consists of labels – with dots separating the character strings. In a domain name, the right-most label is known as the top-level domain ( TLD ).
IANA - Internet Assigned Numbers Authority's present TLD classification is in three types:
- gTLD – there are 14 generic top-level domains: .com, .net, and .org that one can register freely; .edu, .gov, .int and .mil have limited usage. These seven domains are the original gTLDS. The newer gTLDS are .biz, .info, .name, and .pro (unsponsored) and .aero, .coop, and .museum (sponsored).
- ccTLD - country code top-level domains e.g. .us for the United States and .in for India. These exist for over 240 countries and external territories.
- iTLD - infrastructure top-level domains. Presently only .arpa, a special TLD exists, that is administered by ICANN - Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers.
The following 10 TLDs that have the most Google page results. The ranking is:
| 1) .com | Commercial |
| 2) .org | Noncommercial |
| 3) .edu | US accredited institutions |
| 4) .gov | United States Government |
| 5) .uk | United Kingdom |
| 6) .net | Network services |
| 7) .ca | Canada |
| 8) .de | Germany |
| 9) .jp | Japan |
| 10) .fr | France |
Art and Science of Domain Names : Prior to commencement of a business or site, get the domain name. Spend at least as much time on deciding on a brand name ( with Whois ) as you would spend on naming your baby.
Domain names: The domain name needs to be your website name. Dot coms should be your only choice as they are standard and default. A domain name matching your brand name is the best buy. Toyota.com would fetch you more business than cars.com. When you go the branded route, use a name or term that is pronounced and spelled in the same manner.
The domain name must be three words or less. Consider buying a hyphenated domain name only if you also get the name with hyphen too. Use digits in the name if they are spelled in the same fashion too. While deciding on a domain name, use Google Keyword Tools to check popularity and Google Trends to ascertain trends for your keyword.
The cost of registering a new dot com domain name is a few dollars. However, the resale value may yield a fortune depending on the perceived value of the domain. In the domain aftermarket, the market value of a domain name stems from the organic traffic, branding opportunity and resale value. Domain names with high Ecommerce potential have great resale value. e.g. porn.com which reportedly sold for $ 9.5 million in 2007.
It is therefore not surprising that cybersquatting ( the act of " registering, trafficking in, or using a domain name with bad faith intent to profit from the goodwill of a trademark belonging to someone else ", as per US federal law Anticybersquatting Consumer Protection Act ) is rampant.
For more on domains, kindly visit websiteshub.com.
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